Greg And Anna Brown Family Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2,847,000
• Success Rate: N/A (invitation only)
• Decision Time: N/A (no public process)
• Grant Range: $10,000 - $500,000
• Geographic Focus: Chicago/Illinois region, some East Coast

Contact Details

No public contact information available. Foundation operates through private channels only.

Overview

The Greg And Anna Brown Family Foundation is a private grant-making foundation established in 2023 with assets of $11.2 million. Founded by Greg Brown, Chairman and CEO of Motorola Solutions, and his wife Anna-Louise, the foundation awards approximately $2.8 million annually in grants. The foundation represents the formalization of the Browns' extensive philanthropic activities, which have historically focused on education and arts initiatives in the Chicago area where they have lived for over 25 years. Greg Brown's leadership role at Motorola Solutions and board positions at organizations like Big Shoulders Fund significantly influence the foundation's strategic giving approach.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation makes approximately 6 grants annually ranging from $10,000 to $500,000, with no public application process.

Priority Areas

• Education (K-12 and higher education)
• Student financial aid and scholarships
• Arts, culture and humanities
• Community development in Chicago area
• Organizations supporting underserved communities

What They Don't Fund

Not explicitly stated, but giving patterns suggest limited interest outside education and arts sectors.

Governance and Leadership

Gregory Q. Brown - Co-founder, Chairman and CEO of Motorola Solutions since 2008, Rutgers University alumnus (B.S. Economics, 1982), former chair of Rutgers University Board of Governors, Board member of Big Shoulders Fund.

Anna-Louise Brown - Co-founder, granddaughter of Henry and Anna Starr who founded the Rutgers Psychological Clinic in 1929, active in Chicago-area philanthropy.

The Browns have made significant personal philanthropic commitments beyond the foundation, including over $14 million to Rutgers University and substantial support to Chicago-area organizations.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. Grants are made through trustee discretion, personal relationships, and invitation only. Organizations cannot apply directly for funding.

Getting on Their Radar

Given Greg Brown's role as CEO of Motorola Solutions and board service at Big Shoulders Fund, organizations may become known to the foundation through:

• Connections to Big Shoulders Fund network (Greg serves on their board)
• Chicago educational community networks
• Motorola Solutions corporate philanthropy connections
• Rutgers University alumni and development networks
• Harper College connections (Browns co-chaired Promise Scholarship fundraising)

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - no public application process

Success Rates

Not applicable - invitation only funding

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - no public application process

Application Success Factors

Since this is an invitation-only funder, traditional application success factors don't apply. However, based on their giving patterns:

• Education Focus: The Browns have consistently supported educational institutions, particularly those serving underserved communities. Big Shoulders Fund, which supports 72 high-need schools in Chicago, is a confirmed recipient.

• Chicago Connection: With 25+ years in the Chicago area, the foundation prioritizes local organizations. Their support of Big Shoulders Fund and Harper College demonstrates commitment to Chicago-area education.

• Student Financial Aid: Multiple examples show preference for scholarship and financial aid programs, from Rutgers' Scarlet Promise Grants to Harper College's Promise Scholarship Program.

• Board Relationships: Greg Brown's board positions appear to directly influence grant decisions, particularly his role at Big Shoulders Fund.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is a private family foundation with no public application process - relationships and connections are essential
• Strong preference for education initiatives, particularly those serving underserved communities in Chicago
• Greg Brown's corporate and board connections (Motorola Solutions, Big Shoulders Fund) may provide networking pathways
• The foundation has significant capacity ($2.8M annual giving from $11M+ assets) for selective, high-impact grants
• Given the Browns' history of multi-million dollar personal gifts to Rutgers, they may consider larger commitments to organizations they deeply support
• Focus areas are consistent: education, arts/culture, and student financial aid programs

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Greg And Anna Brown Family Foundation EIN 926067214 (Form 990-PF filings)
• Cause IQ Foundation Profile - Financial and grant data, accessed February 2026
• Instrumentl 990 Reports - Foundation financial analysis, accessed February 2026
• Association of Fundraising Professionals Chicago Chapter - "Gregory Q. Brown Biography" (2017)
• Rutgers University News - "Greg '82 and Anna Brown Pledge $4 Million for Football Facility" (2018)
• Rutgers Today - "$1 Million Gift Creates Scarlet Promise Grants" (2020)
• Big Shoulders Fund Annual Report - Board of Directors listing
• Crain's Chicago Business - "Big Shoulders Fund Receives $250,000 Pledge" (2014)
• Harper College Foundation - Promise Scholarship Program campaign co-chairs announcement